Sacred Relics Enshrinement Ceremony at the Historic Neelagiri Maha Seya
March 06, 2025The enshrinement of sacred relics at the historic Neelagiri Maha Seya, a landmark of immense significance in Buddhist cultural heritage, was held on Tuesday (Mar 4) at the Neelagiri Temple premises in Lahugala.
Recognized as the largest Stupa in the Eastern Province, Neelagiri Maha Seya stands at an impressive 215 feet in height and 104 feet in width. It is situated within the Ampara Lahugala Reserve, approximately 19 kilometres from the Siyambalanduwa-Pottuvil road, on the border of the Monaragala and Ampara districts.
The ceremony was attended by the Military Liaison Officer of the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal P. N. De Costa and the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Air Vice Marshal Chaminda Wickramaratne.
The enshrinement of the sacred relics was conducted with deep reverence, accompanied by the Hewisi Pooja, a traditional Buddhist drumming ritual. Notably, the complete restoration of Neelagiri Maha Seya was undertaken by the Sri Lanka Air Force.
The event was graced by the presence of venerable Maha Sangha, including Most Venerable Makulewe Wimala Mahanayake Thero, Mahanayake of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Chapter, Most Venerable Agulgamuwe Ariyananda Thero, Chief Prelate of Na Uyana Monastery, Venerable Attanaganaye Sasanarathana Thero, Registrar of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Chapter, Most Venerable Meetalawe Vineetha Thero, Chief Chairman of the Sangha Sabha of the Sri Kalyani Yogashrama and Kammatthanacharya Tripitakacharya of the Polgasowita Vipassana Meditation Centre.
Additionally, Professor Thusitha Mendis, Director General of the Department of Archaeology, along with senior SLAF officers, other ranks and a large gathering of devotees, participated in the ceremony, marking this sacred occasion with profound devotion and reverence.
